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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">ABRAHAM<?xml:namespace
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><FONT
face="Times New Roman"><?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns =
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:date Month="1" Day="12"
Year="2004"><SPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt">JANUARY 12,
2004</SPAN></st1:date><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><o:p></o:p></SPAN></FONT></P>
<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">WOODS CROSS
GROUP<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">I am ABRAHAM. Greetings. I
always take great interest in your conversations. I see you making effort toward
putting your beliefs into action. As I speak this evening you listen with your
faith, not even knowing what words may come from me. You diligently attend each
week with a faithful heart. Here we dip our cups into the well of Father’s will
and make efforts throughout the week to distribute what we have learned. Each
week we come together to take in so that in everyday living we can give out, and
expand our ever growing Kingdom. Your faithfulness is a rock in which we can
build Light and Life.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Last week we discussed the
maturing spirit and the courage it takes to truly live. We discussed how the
fearful soul may choose to hide away so as to not have the required experience
of adversity. This evening I would choose to find it appropriate to discuss
forms of escape versus spiritual rest. We each have experienced the hardships in
mortal living and understand the importance of rest and intake of spiritual
energy, and yet we find it somewhat difficult to devote
time.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">In the reality of mortal
living there are always the material obligations that need to be met. Mortals
need to work to live somewhat of an organized life. Working is an experience
that holds tremendous spiritual values, as well as putting food on the table.
Those you work with are, so to speak, a part of your ministry. Those you meet
are literally fertile ground for planting the seeds of the Kingdom. While work
can seem monotonous and without glory, numerous possibilities lie therein. Do
you see, work is not really work but a part of your spiritual ministry and
purpose for serving in the Kingdom? Many mortal functions that you may view as
boring are in fact part of your destiny, part of your spiritual growth. Many
tasks that you may seek to be free from are opportunities to live life more
fully.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">The Master found
fulfillment in all His undertakings for the Father. He brought Father’s presence
in everything He did. He lived to serve His Father. He lived to strive to do His
best, to do the right thing the first time. He sought no forms of escape in
almost every area of life. There was however a time or two He had thoughts of
omitting His cup because it seemed overwhelming. Of course this took meditation,
prayer and mindal reconciliation to find strength to carry on. The Father’s cup
was not the way of ease, and yet it was definitely the most effective, the best
and highest good for one and all.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">With the world’s technology
ever progressing, it would seem that mans direction goes toward forms of escape.
There is nothing wrong with the material life being made a bit more simpler.
Technology has its place, and yet all the while mans weary mind simply needs a
few moments with the Father. You can see that the youth of today find many forms
of escape. It has been taught that life’s realities are painful and to
experience this is not necessary, therefore delaying progression and spiritual
maturity. Seeking escape through any form is to gamble with those things in life
that are truly valuable, such as good health, relationships, integrity, honesty
and so on.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">To learn at an early age
that adversity must be dealt with on a totally conscious level is indeed a
blessing. One learns skills that aids in the life ahead. The mature spiritual
individual faces problems as they come at the time without procrastination,
hesitation, fear or faithlessness. The Father’s presence is in every moment of
every day and one is never left alone to endure, but bravely face the challenges
and be open to Father’s will and His unfailing
solutions.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">Life is busy and tiring, of
course you need rest and reversion and certainly does this go a long way in
finding a balance in life. Enjoyment that brings rest or clarity of mind is
certainly acceptable. Joy is a part of life just as is sorrow or adversity.
Balance is what we are seeking here. Before there is temptation to look for
mortal escape or ease seeking, it is highly recommended that one spend time in
stillness or study or using the creative mind. Art, music and exercise are all
forms of energy production and aids in the ability to cope with life’s
difficulties.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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<P class=MsoNormal style="MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt"><SPAN
style="FONT-SIZE: 14pt"><FONT face="Times New Roman">This week review your daily
living activities that seem to hold little value and try to see how they may
play a part in your ministry, your efforts to expand the Kingdom. Take time to
review your deep inner longings and what you do to find a temporary fix versus
an eternal solution. Have not worry what others have to say about your choices.
Keep the Master’s living example in the forefront of your thinking. He is your
example of one who has bravely faced life’s challenges and lived a perfected
life. That is all for this evening. Again, feel free to call upon me during the
week. I am with growing affection for you each. Until next time,
shalom.<o:p></o:p></FONT></SPAN></P>
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